Footstep, n.
1. The mark or impression of the foot; a track; hence, visible sign of a course pursued; token; mark; as, the footsteps of divine wisdom. How on the faltering footsteps of decay Youth presses. Bryant.
2. An inclined plane under a hand printing press.
Shades of meaning
Fernald has no entry of its own for footstep; he lists it under trace.
He lists it without comment; the entries above explain its neighbors.